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Geographic Arbitrage within the US

Posted on 8/6/23 at 4:58 pm
Posted by Dead Mike
Cell Block 4
Member since Mar 2010
3933 posts
Posted on 8/6/23 at 4:58 pm
There are a lot of recent topics about saving for retirement, and I know there are a few recurring advocates of retiring (or accumulating wealth) overseas. Is anyone factoring geographic arbitrage (specifically within the US) into their plans?

This may be less drastic than planning to move to Costa Rica for example, but I’m wondering how feasible it is to incorporate a move from HCOL -> LCOL into retirement planning. I feel like it’s a possible solution to limited employment/advancement opportunities in a LCOL area, while making more temporary the impact of higher housing costs. I could see schools/education going both ways, but I would bet on better educational opportunities and peer groups in HCOL areas.

I can see a few probable drawbacks. You’d be basically intending to distance yourself from any friend groups developed locally prior to retirement. If you have kids, it’s possible that you’re establishing roots for them in a place you don’t intend to be when they’re possibly raising your grandchildren. Distance from family is probably more of a case-by-case issue, but definitely relevant for those with family members concentrated in a LCOL area.
Posted by JohnnyKilroy
Cajun Navy Vice Admiral
Member since Oct 2012
40326 posts
Posted on 8/6/23 at 5:15 pm to
The problem is that many LCOL areas of the country are LCOL because they are dogshit and no one has any money.

I can see the argument for retiring in a lower cost country, where you can possibly cut your expenses while still living well in a desirable place to live/visit. I don't really see it within the US. Unless you're talking about moving from somewhere like DC/SF/LA/NY/Chicago etc where everywhere is lower cost of living by comparison.

Posted by meansonny
ATL
Member since Sep 2012
26045 posts
Posted on 8/6/23 at 5:37 pm to
The biggest challenge is healthcare.

Young and retired... lcol probably doesn't have the healthcare issue.

But late 60s, 70s, and 80s... access to healthcare should be a primary concern.

The other side of the discussion is travel. If you travel a lot, home base doesn't matter so much where it is. Low tax and low cost of living could be a huge asset.
Posted by makersmark1
earth
Member since Oct 2011
20454 posts
Posted on 8/6/23 at 5:42 pm to
quote:

You’d be basically intending to distance yourself from any friend groups developed locally prior to retirement. If you have kids, it’s possible that you’re establishing roots for them in a place you don’t intend to be when they’re possibly raising your grandchildren.


This is true.

Posted by thelawnwranglers
Member since Sep 2007
42036 posts
Posted on 8/6/23 at 5:54 pm to
I will be moving from NJ married or divorced if that's what you are asking lol
Posted by kaaj24
Dallas
Member since Jan 2010
878 posts
Posted on 8/6/23 at 6:00 pm to
Arbitrage exists but have to make sure you’ll be able to have access to healthcare, things to do in retirement, etc. Move somewhere where you’ll be able to live out retirement on your terms.

However, I could understand someone wanting to move to LCOL area if they are trying to stretch retirement dollars.

I live in Dallas so I know I could live in smaller cities in Texas and housing would be less. However, proximity to restaurants, sporting events, concerts might not be as readily accessible if living in a tier 2, 3 or 4 city. There aren’t perfect decisions in life including retirement. Compromises.
Posted by down time
space
Member since Oct 2013
1914 posts
Posted on 8/6/23 at 10:59 pm to
Like give up the Manhattan flat for a cabin in Tennessee?
Posted by CalcuttaTigah
Member since Jul 2009
973 posts
Posted on 8/6/23 at 11:35 pm to
I do not. The goal for me is to not have to worry about or consider these factors so I guess I plan for a HCOL by default
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